Micro Grants
Funding Amount
Up to $10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Micro Grants
Funder: The Schenectady Foundation Inc (NY, US)
Geographic Scope: Schenectady County, NY
Award Amount: Up to $10,000 (majority fall into $3,000 - $7,000 range)
Impact Statement: Organizations will have access to seed funding to plan, research, and pilot new initiatives that foster innovation and build stronger connections within the community.
Purpose: Address requests of $10,000 or less. Often utilized for planning, research, and development of future projects, or to get pilot projects off the ground.
- Part of the Foundation's $1.3 million in total grants and scholarships for 2026
- Included in "Micro Grants, Sponsorships and Special Initiative Funds" category with projected investment of $165,000
- Foundation established in 1963 to benefit people living and working in Schenectady County
- Has invested over $35 million into communities to date
- Foundation prioritizes initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes and transformative potential
Key Information
- Planning and research
- Development of future projects
- Pilot projects
- Seed funding for new initiatives
Typical Uses
- Email: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or info@schenectadyfoundation.org
- Phone: (518) 393-9500
- Mailing Address: The Schenectady Foundation, PO Box 710, Schenectady, NY 12301
- Contact Person: Sofia Pawlusik
Contact Information
- Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Available by email, phone, or Zoom
Office Hours for Applicant Support
How to Apply
Grant Application Process
Two-Step Online Process:
1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Provides general overview of proposed project and associated outcomes
- Foundation responds to appropriate and complete LOIs within 10 days
- Applicants may be asked to submit additional information or meet with Foundation staff
- Approved LOIs gain access to full grant application
2. Full Grant Application
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Must meet all requirements for substance, accuracy, and completeness
- Forwarded to Foundation's Distribution Committee for consideration
- Foundation meets with each applicant in a grant conference
- Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes (high priority)
- Show how clients and program beneficiaries are engaged in the work
- Demonstrate that service users are listened to and have influence on design and delivery
- Foundation staff available to guide applicants on outcomes
- Review Outcomes Terms for common understanding
- Review Criteria and Eligibility before applying
Key Application Guidance
- Office hours twice weekly for applicant support
- Support series videos available
- Applicants always welcome to reach out at any time
- Contact Sofia Pawlusik for assistance: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or (518) 393-9500
Support Available
- Notification of funding decisions approximately 2 weeks after grant conferences
- 2-3 weeks for funds processing and check issuance after grant agreement signed
Timeline After Decision
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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